Vince Russo has opened up about the health concerns behind his departure from JCW, saying the stress of working for the promotion left him experiencing “really bad” heart palpitations.

Speaking on the All Axxess Podcast, Russo explained that his decision followed a lengthy period of unhappiness. Although Violent J repeatedly encouraged him to stay, Russo felt the situation would not improve without changes to how things operated.

“He knew I was unhappy. He was sensing that I was unhappy, but he kept trying to keep me there. And it’s like, bro, if nothing’s going to change, I’m going to continue to be unhappy. So, you know, he dreaded me leaving because he knew the impact I had. So, I was unhappy. I voiced being unhappy, but he would do everything to try to keep me there.”

According to Russo, Violent J eventually accepted that asking him to remain was unfair.

“And then finally… I just got a call from him and he finally said, ‘Listen, man, I know you’ve been unhappy here for a while, and it’s not fair to you for me to try to keep you here.’”

Russo said he agreed with that assessment, but made clear that he still cares deeply about Violent J and the JCW locker room. His affection for those involved had made walking away more difficult.

“He finally said that and I didn’t argue, bro, because yes, man, I have been unhappy for a while. That is the truth. And a lot of pressure was being put on me to stay because I love the guy. I really love the guy. I love the locker room. Like, none of that was any of the issue.

It was just, you know, Joe, I got to a point where I was, like, really having bad palpitations, and I was like, ‘Bro, I don’t... I’m not going to die over wrestling, man.’ And when health started to kick in, that’s when I was like, ‘Bro, this is not good.’”

The 65-year-old also explained that he needs a structured working environment, with plans and a clear format. He said JCW’s more spontaneous approach had become increasingly difficult for him to manage.

“I’m 65, Joe. I can’t work in a chaotic state anymore. I can’t. Everything with me, especially my age, is, you know, it’s planned. It’s formatted. The flying by the seat of my pants, I can’t... I just can’t function like that anymore. If that’s how Violent J runs his company, that’s up to Violent J… But it was like after a year, I was just like, bro, I just can’t live in this world anymore, man.”

Russo’s account suggests his exit followed a prolonged struggle with the working environment, with concerns about his health ultimately prompting him to step away. Despite those difficulties, he spoke warmly about the people he worked alongside.

What do you make of Russo’s comments about his JCW departure? Share your thoughts in the comments.